What is a Cato in rocketry terms?

In rocketry, a Cato refers specifically to a failure of the rocket's motor that results in an uncontrolled situation, often leading to flight termination. This term is derived from an actual incident where a motor failure resulted in catastrophic consequences during a launch. When a motor experiences a Cato, it typically means that there has been an unexpected explosive failure or similar mishap that prevents the rocket from achieving its intended performance or trajectory.

Understanding this term is crucial for safety and design considerations in rocketry, as it emphasizes the importance of robust motor design and testing protocols to minimize the risk of such failures during launches.